Marry Me Salmon is a rich and flavorful dish featuring perfectly seared salmon in a creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic parmesan sauce. This easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for a date night dinner, family meal, or special occasion. The combination of buttery salmon, a luscious creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs makes it a dish that will win hearts—hence the name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce with bold flavors
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for date nights or family dinners
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables
- Restaurant-quality meal made at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon:
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Chicken broth or white wine
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Directions
1. Sear the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth (or white wine) and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer until thickened.
3. Combine and Serve
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until the salmon is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Lemon Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Herb Infused: Add fresh thyme or oregano for extra depth of flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
1. Why is it called “Marry Me Salmon”?
The creamy, flavorful sauce is so irresistible that it’s said to inspire marriage proposals—just like its famous counterpart, Marry Me Chicken!
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best taste, prepare the sauce fresh and reheat the salmon gently before serving.
5. Can I use a different fish?
Absolutely! Try this recipe with trout, cod, or tilapia.
6. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the cream, and avoid boiling the sauce.
7. Can I make it without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! Substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
8. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low-carb when served without pasta or rice.
9. What’s the best way to get crispy salmon skin?
Sear the salmon skin-side down first for extra crispiness.
10. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus make great additions.
Conclusion
Marry Me Salmon is a creamy, flavorful dish that is sure to impress. With tender, seared salmon and a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce, this recipe is perfect for any special occasion or weeknight dinner. Try it today and see why this dish is truly love at first bite!
PrintMarry Me Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
This Marry Me Salmon is a creamy, garlicky, and sun-dried tomato-infused dish that’s sure to impress. Tender, pan-seared salmon is smothered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making it the perfect romantic dinner or indulgent weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Salmon:
- Season salmon fillets with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- 2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- 3. Combine & Serve:
- Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the fillets.
- Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately!
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Prefer a lighter sauce? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- No sun-dried tomatoes? Use cherry tomatoes instead.
- Add a citrus twist by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~500
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fat: ~38g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~35g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg
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